The Virgins by Derek Walcott
Derek Walcott’s poem ‘The Virgins’ gives a holistic view of the life, economy, and culture of one of the Virgin Islands of the US, Saint Croix.
Indian Weavers by Sarojini Naidu
‘Indian Weavers’ explores the inevitability of death while celebrating the cycles of human existence and experience.
The Rose That Grew From Concrete by Tupac Shakur
‘The Rose That Grew From Concrete’ is a moving celebration of personal resolve against the backdrop of oppressive forces.
Oddjob, a Bull Terrier by Derek Walcott
‘Oddjob, a Bull Terrier’ by Derek Walcott is a thoughtful, emotional poem about loss and how unbearable the death of a pet can be.
Nightscapes by Jean Bleakney
‘Nightscapes’ beautifully captures the feeling of being isolated from nature that is common in urban environments.
A Watery City by Jean Bleakney
‘A Watery City’ engages with themes of friendship and journeying, significantly how they are affected by the passage of time.
Donegal Sightings by Jean Bleakney
‘Donegal Sightings’ explores how elusive the natural world can feel, even when we are immersed within its beauty.
A Song: “Men of England” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
‘A Song: “Men of England”’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a Romantic poem that calls for the English revolution. It is set in England in 1819 when the poem itself was written.
an afternoon nap by Arthur Yap
‘an afternoon nap’ by Arthur Yap explores the lacunae in the modern education system and how it results in anxiety and stress in students.
Requiem by Robert Louis Stevenson
‘Requiem’ by Robert Louis Stevenson is a poem about accepting death and finding peace in going “home” after a long life.
Consolidation by Jean Bleakney
Jean Bleakney’s ‘Consolidation’ is a deeply personal poem about the act of rearranging the cowry shells that the speaker and her children gathered in the past.
Death of a Young Woman by Gillian Clarke
Explore ‘Death of a Young Woman,’ where Clarke depicts how a loved one’s death lets a person free from their inward, endless suffering.
Two Armies by Stephen Spender
‘Two Armies’ by Stephen Spender describes two armies on a devastating battlefield where every individual is suffering. Their common humanity is highlighted.
The Double Shame by Stephen Spender
‘The Double Shame’ by Stephen Spender conveys a depiction of what the world feels like when one loses a very important person in their life. Everything is transformed in a way that makes a living from day to day difficult.
Do Poems Have to Rhyme?
For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they consider poetry is rhyming lines. But, do poems have to rhyme? Is a poem even a poem if it doesn’t rhyme?
Parrot by Stevie Smith
‘Parrot’ is a moving exploration of imprisonment and suffering set against the backdrop of the modern, urban world.
Childhood by Frances Cornford
‘Childhood’ explores the transitory moment when a child becomes aware of the passing of time, and the process of growing old.
Winterisation by Jean Bleakney
‘Winterisation’ subtly weaves the processes of preparing for winter and steeling oneself for news of bereavement.
Carpet-weavers, Morocco by Carol Rumens
‘Carpet-weavers, Morocco’ is a challenging poem which explores issues such as child labour as well as examining the myriad origins of beauty.
Ebb by Derek Walcott
Derek Walcott’s poem ‘Ebb’ is about a car journey by the shore and comments on aging, industrialization, and the past.
Homecoming: Anse La Raye by Derek Walcott
‘Homecoming: Anse La Raye’ by Derek Walcott is a complex and interesting poem about when a homecoming doesn’t feel like coming home. It is rich with allusions and connections to Walcott’s real-life experience.
How They Brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix by Robert Browning
‘How They Brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix’ by Robert Browning depicts three riders’ attempting to gallop from Ghent to Aix. The speaker makes it there, delivering a critical, although unknown, piece of news.
In Railway Halls (XXX) by Stephen Spender
‘In Railway Halls’ challenges the reader for their complicity in the suffering of the vulnerable in society.
Spring by Jean Bleakney
‘Spring’ is an unsettling poem that explores the dangers of devotion and deferring happiness instead of living in the present.
What I Expected (XIII) by Stephen Spender
‘What I Expected’ is a harrowing account of failed hopes and unrealized dreams, which captures the hopelessness of the 1930s.
Without That Once Clear Aim (XXI) by Stephen Spender
‘XXI Without That Once Clear Aim’ brilliantly explores the uneasy relationship between an artist and their environment.
10 of the Best Cowboy Poems
Cowboy poems come in many shapes and forms but all have a few unifying features. This includes storytelling, a feeling of nostalgia, and an appreciation of the natural world.
Lorry by Al Hafiz Sanusi
‘Lorry’ by Al Hafiz Sanusi depicts the ways that change can improve lives but also complicate and damage them. The poet uses the poem to discuss the need for better transportation standards for migrant workers.